The role of bacteria in the skin: Cold atmospheric plasma for the treatment of pathological skin healing

Project Description

Chronic wounds remain a major area of unmet clinical need, with infection a principle contributing factor to wound chronicity. This project builds upon strong preliminary data suggesting that healing outcome can be directly linked to both wound microbiota profile and defects in the host anti-microbial response. Employing a range of experimental techniques the PhD student will the following aims: Aim one: The student will profile bacteria in both existing wound tissue and newly collected clinical samples, linking specific microbial species to changes in the host response (pattern recognition receptors and skin antimicrobial peptides). This research will have immediate clinical impact, identifying new problematic (and beneficial) bacteria in skin wound healing Aim two: the student will test the efficacy, selectivity and mode of action of a new hand-held cold active plasma device for the promotion of healing. We will use cutting-edge ex vivo skin biofilm and human skin culture models to elucidate mode of action. There is an urgent need for innovative new treatments for skin disease and pathological healing. If successful this medical device could be rapidly implemented in the clinic with the potential to significantly change the lives of patients. By the end of their PhD the student will have received extensive training in skin biology and generated essential new clinical data on both skin microbiota and cold active plasma.